Opal Polishing Survey Results

Take a look at the IGS member survey results for opal polishing. You'll find recommendations for polishes, laps, and techniques for handling these popular gemstones.

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By International Gem Society

Editor’s Note: Some years ago, the International Gem Society (IGS) conducted a survey of members’ polishing techniques. Here, you’ll find the results for opal polishing. Whether you’re just starting to learn the art of gem cutting or just looking for a new way to tackle a problematic gem material, we hope these results provide some useful suggestions.

For more opal polishing recommendations, see the survey results for gems with 4-6 hardness.

For more information about the survey or to find results for more gemstones, click here.

Opal Polishing Techniques

Lap Type	Polish Type	Lubrication type	Votes
Lucite	Cerium Oxide	water	19
Tin	Linde A	water	17
Ultra Lap	Cerium Oxide	water	14
CD	Cerium Oxide	vinegar/water	8
Dynalap	Cerium Oxide	water	6
Polypad	Cerium Oxide	water	5
Tin	50k diamond	olive oil	4
Copper	Diamond	Crystalube or similar	4
Turbofan	Cerium Oxide	water	2
Ceramic	100-200k diamond		2
BATT	Cerium Oxide	water	2
Corian	Cerium Oxide		1
Lucite	14k diamond	DiaLube	1
Brass	50k diamond	water	1
Diamond Pacific	Diamond	water	1
Tin	50k Diamond	water	1
Felt	50k/Linde A mix	water	1
Spectra (Ultra Lap)	Cerium Oxide	Colloidal Silica	1

Notes

Polishing agents and lubricants divided

…

International Gem Society

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Opal Polishing Survey Results

Opal Polishing Techniques

Notes

International Gem Society

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